Obituaries

Marie (Koval) Osmolia, 80 years young and a lifelong resident of Taylor, passed away Thursday, January 20th. On April 27, 2021, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend of nearly 60 years, Peter J. Osmolia Sr.

Born on Aug. 15, 1941, and daughter of the late Andrew Sr. and Verna (Drobnak) Koval, Marie was a graduate of the former Taylor High School, class of 1959. As she raised her adoring family of four children, she also worked at Brooks Manufacturing and Hygrade Pants factories before working for Topps Chewing Gum Co. in Duryea for many years before her retirement.

In 1989, Marie’s husband Pete opened the family business on Birney Avenue in Moosic, Osmolia’s Service Station & Mini Mart. For decades, Marie’s homemade meals and sweet treats were a hit with all the customers. Her homemade fudge was hard to resist at the counter, and lunch would not have been the same without her piggies, sausage and peppers, or haluska. During the holidays, Marie took orders for homemade pierogies for anyone who asked, making hundreds of pierogis each week — she would never let anyone go hungry. If Marie heard the slightest sniffle, she would immediately make you a massive pot of homemade chicken soup to, if nothing else, make you smile.

The only thing Marie loved more than watching the New York Yankees and going to the casino was being with her family. Marie went above and beyond to make every moment in her family’s lives special. She never missed a dance recital, sporting event, karate class, talent show, school play — you name it, she was there with a smile and a card. She sewed countless Halloween costumes for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and her beloved bichon, Peppy); she made her granddaughter, Julia, a pink Miss Viking costume, sword and shield for breast cancer awareness month; she dressed up as Mrs. Claus for Christmas and convinced Pete’s sister, Ann, to be Santa Claus; and she made sure the Easter Bunny always made an appearance. Marie never missed anyone’s birthday; every year her friends and family (and their pets) could always count on her calling to sing happy birthday. She never failed to make you laugh and her laugh was infectious. Marie made everyone’s darkest days a bit brighter, and no one will ever forget the grace of her love.

She is survived by her loving family including her four children; daughter, Marie Godlewski and fiancé, Thomas Holland of Scranton; three sons, Peter Osmolia Jr. and wife, Cheryl of Moosic; Joseph Osmolia of Taylor; and Michael Osmolia and wife, Shannon of Taylor; eight grandchildren, Phil Godlewski and wife, Dori of Duryea, Peter Osmolia and wife, Kelly of Avoca, Stephanie Osmolia of Moosic, Rebecca Osmolia of Moosic, Joseph Osmolia Jr. of Taylor, Robert Osmolia and wife, Jessie of Boston, Mass., Julia Osmolia and Jordan Osmolia of Taylor; 10 great-grandchildren who adored their “Mee Maw”; an aunt, Rose Drobnak of Connecticut; cousins, Robert Sovitch of Old Forge and John Sovitch of Scranton; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Andrew Koval Jr.

Blessing services are scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 4:00 PM until services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s name to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.